The authority issued a statement following Wednesday's decision, saying Herbert had "unilaterally" withdrawn from the agreement in spite of an "overwhelming body of scientific evidence and legally binding safeguards."

Agency officials said they would evaluate their options to address Herbert's decision.

The deal had been in the works for more than three years and involves water from an ice-age aquifer under Snake Valley.

Herbert said in a statement that he can't sign the deal because most of the Utah residents in the affected area do not support it.

Several environmental groups praised Herbert's withdrawal from the pact.

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